Steven Wyatt's Story

“The insanity of addiction is that I actually thought I was sane in my addiction.”

That’s just one of several powerful sentiments Steven Wyatt recently shared while recounting his incredible journey with us.

After decades of drug and alcohol abuse, Steven found himself in sober living as a participant in a Sharpen Recovery home. Today, he is a full-time staff member at Sharpen, a dream job he says he never imagined was possible.

As is the unfortunate case for some, Steven’s early years were filled with setbacks. Born two months premature, a heart condition required he wear a monitor until he was four. At age 11, Steven’s dad drained the family’s bank account and drove away, never to return. 

Adversity escalated throughout Steven’s teen years. He lived entirely alone for a semester in sixth grade, with no parental presence. One year later, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, enduring three years of constant surgeries and painful procedures, all the while caring for his disabled mother.

At 16, Steven began using drugs and alcohol in a vain attempt to escape life’s turmoil. What began as occasional use spiraled into a daily, full-blown addiction, particularly when—years later—Steven endured a painful divorce, then lost custody of his beloved daughter.

By 2024, years of functional alcoholism and drug addiction had progressed to total debilitation. Steven suffered unemployment, homelessness, multiple DWI charges, a health crisis, and utter hopelessness.

At last, Steven conceded to let his brother, now a pastor, drive him to a residential treatment center.

Steven volunteering with the production team at his church.

Determined to remain sober after treatment, he transitioned to a Sharpen Recovery house, citing the program’s affordability, Christ-centered focus, and accountability as motivating factors.

As bonds of brotherhood formed among his fellow participants, Steven experienced the joy of finally having a family-like community—a vital necessity he hadn’t realized he’d so desperately needed.

It was a rare moment of validation when Steven was recognized and affirmed for having leadership potential. He was soon entrusted with the responsibilities of being a Peer Coordinator within his Sharpen home, serving, encouraging, and walking alongside other men in their journey of sobriety.

Steven thrived. At last, he’d found his life’s purpose.

He had no idea his passion could become an occupation, but once again, his leadership qualities brought unforeseen promotion. Last month, Steven eagerly accepted the invitation to join the Sharpen staff as a Program Manager, overseeing four Sharpen homes and providing guidance and support for Peer Coordinators and the men they serve. 

What’s more, Steven and his daughter recently reconciled. Now grown and engaged to be married, she asked if he would give her the honor of walking her down the aisle. It’s another dream invitation Steven never saw coming—and yet another example of God’s miraculous ability to redeem that which once seemed ruined beyond repair.